Frequently Asked Questions
What will happen during construction?
Crews will:
- Set up a construction zone for the safety of the construction crews and citizens.
- Dig a trench.
- Install pipe and back fill the trench.
- Restore the immediate area.
- Test the pipe for performance.
Access to properties will be maintained during construction.
Where does my plumbing begin?
The property owner maintains water pipe from end of meter box to buildings. Learn more.
What is a clean out?
A clean out is a necessary part of the sanitary sewer system. It allows plumbers or Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities access the pipe to clear blockages. It is usually installed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities as per
sewer details.
General Information about Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV)
As a result transferring water sewer service to Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities, water pressure to your home will likely increase substantially and you may need to install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) to protect your plumbing system.
Building codes require PRVs to be installed on residential plumbing where water pressure exceeds 80 psi.
A PRV reduces the water pressure coming into your home, if needed, to protect your plumbing much the same way that a surge protector protects your computer or television. A licensed plumber can assess your current plumbing system and recommend whether a PRV is needed for your home.
If you are able to coordinate with your neighbors in organizing a group to increase the number of PRV assessments, adjustments, and installations that a plumber can perform in one day, your individual cost may be reduced. Consider getting multiple quotes and checking with the Better Business Bureau.
A PRV can be installed three feet behind the water meter box or inside your home before the water heater.
You may already have a PRV and if so, you should have it inspected to ensure it is working properly. The cost of a PRV assessment, adjustment, and/or installation varies.
Utilities will send a notice to customers when water service will be transferred.
Failure to safeguard private plumbing against the water pressure increase may result in damage to your plumbing system, appliances (hot water heater, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc.) or other private property in and around your home.
Questions and Answers
Q: Will water cost me more with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities?
A: Water rates may change or vary based on the amount of water you use. You can compare your current water bill with Utilities by going here. Utilities water use is measured by 100 cubic feet or Ccf (equal to 748 gallons of water).
Q: Why do I need a Pressure-Reducing Valve (PRV)?
A: Utilities expects the water pressure to increase. Because water pressure continually fluctuates as water usage varies, this increase may raise your water pressure several times in any given day to a level that could cause damage to your plumbing system, appliances (hot water heater, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc.) or other private property in and around your home. A properly working PRV will prevent this type of damage. North Carolina building codes require any home or business with water pressure greater than 80 pounds per square inch (psi) to have a PRV to protect its plumbing system. A licensed plumber should perform the assessment, adjustment and/or installation.
Q: I have an in-ground irrigation system; do I need a backflow prevention device?
A: Utilities customers are required to have a backflow prevention device between the public water supply and private in-ground irrigation systems. These devices also must be tested annually. Details are available at here.
Q: Where does my responsibility begin and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities end?
A: The Property Owner maintains the water pipe from end of meter box to buildings. The property owner is responsible for pipes and fixtures in the buildings and wastewater pipes until the edge of street or street right-of-way. Additional information about plumbing is here.
Q: How much do they cost?
A: The cost of a PRV assessment, adjustment, and/or installation varies. Remember it's always a good idea to get more than one price quote. Pressure-reducing valves, like all plumbing, has a lifespan and will need to replaced in the future.
Q: Who can assess my plumbing and install or adjust the pressure-reducing valve (PRV)?
A: A licensed plumber should perform the assessment, adjustment and/or installation. You can find a list of licensed plumbers in the yellow pages of the telephone directory. It is always best to check with the Better Business Bureau.
Q: What if I already have a PRV?
A: Customers who already have a pressure-reducing valve on their plumbing should have it inspected by a licensed plumber to ensure that it is in proper working condition. Pressure-reducing valves, like all plumbing, have a lifespan and will need to replaced in the future.